This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu have filed 92 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 39,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
92
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Malibu | 66 |
| 2015 Malibu | 24 |
| 2016 Malibu | 94 |
| 2017 Malibu | 81 |
| 2018 Malibu (this page) | 92 |
| 2019 Malibu | 20 |
| 2020 Malibu | 17 |
| 2022 Malibu | 16 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 92 engine complaints filed for the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 92 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 18 model years of Chevrolet Malibu in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct conditions of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely cold weather conditions, CAC Icing, MIL Illuminated with DTCs set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu engine exhibits a dominant failure pattern: sudden entry into limp mode that cuts power to 20–30 mph without warning, usually triggered by an 'Engine Power Reduced' message on the dash. This happens across the mileage range (18,000 to 141,000 miles) at highway speeds, during low-speed acceleration, or randomly while driving. Owners describe near-misses with traffic, forced shoulder pulls, and panic stopping with children in the car.
A secondary but severe issue is engine stalling at speed—vehicle loses all power, brakes and steering become manual, and multiple restarts are required. Both failures are intermittent enough that dealers struggle to replicate them during diagnostics, yet persistent enough that owners take vehicles to multiple dealers seeking help.
Owners report hesitation and surging during acceleration, especially when turning or in hot weather; one newly purchased vehicle hesitated so badly the owner nearly got T-boned from a stop sign. High-altitude driving triggers fuel-system and barometric sensor failures that limit speed to 25 mph.
Recall NHTSA 19V642000 was issued for this cluster of issues but owners consistently report that dealership repairs—ECM updates, accelerator sensor replacement, system reprogramming—have not eliminated the failures. Warranty denials based on mileage are common. Multiple owners explicitly state dealers dismissed their complaints as normal or said "nothing can be done."
Same Chevrolet Malibu engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Power Reduced - Limp Mode Activation
Vehicle enters limp mode and drastically reduces power output, limiting speed to 20-30 mph without warning. The 'Engine Power Reduced' message displays on the instrument panel. Owners report this occurs at various speeds (highway speeds of 60-75 mph, city speeds of 25-40 mph, during acceleration, turning, or randomly. Once the vehicle is shut off and restarted, normal power often returns temporarily.
When: Occurs across mileage range: 18,000 to 141,000 miles. Some owners report intermittent failures early in ownership; others experience increasing frequency over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power and speed reduction to 20-30 mph; 'Engine Power Reduced' warning message on dash; Check engine light illuminates (intermittently); Unable to accelerate or pass other vehicles; Power returns temporarily after vehicle restart; No acceleration response despite pressing gas pedal; Occurs randomly or under specific conditions (turning, highway driving, low-speed acceleration)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (code not always retrievable), P1101 (air mass flow sensor), P2BB3
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer service attempts have not resolved the issue. Some owners report ECM updates/reprogramming attempted by dealers; others cite accelerator pedal sensor replacement, throttle body servicing, and system updates. Many repairs were unsuccessful or did not address root cause. One owner cited $2,290 turbo repair that dealer claimed was not related to recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA Campaign 19V642000 issued for electrical/fuel/engine system; however, multiple owners report this recall repair did not resolve their 'Engine Power Reduced' failures. GM initially refused warranty coverage on some vehicles citing expired warranty or out-of-warranty status. Some owners received case numbers from manufacturer but no remedy offered.
Engine Stalling at Speed
Engine stalls without warning while vehicle is in motion at highway or city speeds. Vehicle becomes inoperable, power steering and power brakes may lose function. Stalling can be intermittent initially but may progress to constant failure requiring towing. Multiple restart attempts may be needed to get vehicle running again.
When: Reported from 39,000 to 141,000 miles. Some stalling events occur early in vehicle ownership; others are later occurrences. One owner reports stalling at 75 miles (very low mileage).
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall while driving; Vehicle loses propulsion with no warning; Power steering and power brake functionality lost during stall; Multiple restart attempts required; Check engine light may illuminate during stalling event; Radio may switch stations randomly; Intermittent failures may progress to constant stalling
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (often not retrievable when tested), No diagnostic code available
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers frequently unable to duplicate or diagnose stalling. Multiple owners took vehicles to multiple dealers with no resolution. One owner reported dealer diagnosed defective camshaft (owner skeptical). One diagnosed crankshaft needing replacement (vehicle not repaired). Another owner found TSB 18-NA-069 related to turbo/CAC issue but vehicle remained out of warranty and unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided limited assistance. One owner informed vehicle not covered by any recall. Another referred back to dealer when out of warranty. Recall 19V642000 did not prevent stalling in at least one case.
Hesitation and Surging During Acceleration
Vehicle hesitates or surges when accelerating, especially at low speeds, during turns, or when the engine is hot. Vehicle may not achieve normal acceleration response despite pressing gas pedal to the floor. Owners describe it as 'slipping' or 'lunging' behavior. Some report turbo lag; dealer dismissal of complaints as normal turbo behavior despite owner perception of abnormality.
When: Reported from 500 miles (near new) through 45,000 miles. Some owners experience this issue immediately after purchase; others develop it within first year.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation when accelerating from stop or low speed; Hesitation when turning and accelerating simultaneously; Vehicle surges or lunges after initial hesitation; Poor acceleration response when engine is hot; Turbo lag (per owner complaint and dealer dismissal); Random power loss and kick-back sensation while driving; Engine shake/shutter during idle when hot
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (not always present), No codes retrieved in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed ECM update/software reprogramming; owner reported improvement for short trips but hesitation persisted. Another owner had fuel pump plunger damage and loose pin in fuel cam follower repaired on first service visit; issue recurred requiring two additional service visits for ECM reprogramming and further diagnostics. Dealer told owner at one point hesitation was 'common' and 'turbo lag,' offering no remedy.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissed hesitation as normal turbo characteristic. TSB #19NA-032 cited by owner as potentially applicable but dealer stated it does not apply to owner's VIN despite owner research indicating VIN falls within TSB range.
Fuel System Issues - Stalling After Refueling
Vehicle stalls or fails to start after being refueled. Vehicle may vibrate and shake when restarted after fuel stop. No warning lights illuminate at time of failure. Dealers unable to retrieve diagnostic codes.
When: Approximately 39,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling when attempting to restart vehicle after refueling; Vehicle vibration and shaking during restart; No warning indicators illuminated; No diagnostic codes available
Codes mentioned: No failure code found
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed purge valve and charcoal canister replacement needed. Parts were replaced but failure recurred. Vehicle taken back to dealer for second attempt but was not diagnosed or repaired. Dealer contacted manufacturer and provided case number.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided case number but no remedy information documented.
Barometric/Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure - High Altitude Operation
Vehicle displays check engine light and fails to accelerate above 25 mph when operating at high altitudes. Code reader shows barometric pressure sensor defect. Mass air flow sensor was replaced on first occurrence; failure recurred following year during similar high-altitude driving. Owner discovered engine booster failing due to ice accumulation in charge air cooler (CAC) restricting airflow.
When: First occurrence and recurrence at approximately 76,000 miles, both during high-altitude travel.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light displayed; Vehicle unable to accelerate above 25 mph at high altitude; Acceleration failure recurring during high-altitude trips
Codes mentioned: Barometric pressure sensor defect code
Repairs/costs cited: Mass air flow sensor replaced after first failure. Second failure remained unrepaired. Owner referenced TSB 18-NA-069 (charge air cooler ice accumulation issue).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified vehicle was out of warranty. Manufacturer referred contact back to dealer. Vehicle not repaired.
Transmission Shift Failure - Gear Shift Delay
Transmission fails to shift gears properly during highway driving. RPM gauge increases but transmission gears fail to change, resulting in drastic speed reduction. Vehicle becomes extremely difficult to maneuver. On separate complaint, 'Shift to Park' error message displays intermittently even when vehicle is in Park.
When: Approximately 45,000 miles for shift failure during highway drive.
Symptoms owners cite: RPM increase without gear shift occurring; Drastic reduction in speed during highway driving; Extreme difficulty maneuvering vehicle; 'Shift to Park' error message displays intermittently (separate complaint); Error persists even when vehicle is actually in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed that spacer plate needed replacement. Loaner vehicle provided for two days but vehicle not actually repaired. Owner requested buyback if no solution available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure but no remedy documented.
Turbocharger Failure
Turbocharger warning light illuminates. Vehicle fails to accelerate as intended when accelerator pedal is depressed. Independent mechanic diagnosed turbocharger failure requiring replacement.
When: Approximately 140,741 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine and turbocharger warning lights illuminate; Vehicle fails to accelerate despite pressing accelerator pedal; Turbocharger failure confirmed by independent mechanic
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed turbocharger failure requiring replacement. Vehicle not repaired. Dealer provided no assistance; owner instructed to schedule appointment for diagnostic testing and charged for diagnostic cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure. Owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline to report.
Overheating Warning - False or Intermittent Sensor Activation
Temperature gauge spikes and 'overheating engine' warning lights flash while driving on highway at normal speeds. No actual overheating condition present (no smoke, no overheating sounds). Temperature normalizes immediately after vehicle is restarted. Occurs on multiple occasions during normal conditions.
When: Recurring issue; vehicle was recently purchased as 2018 model and overheated two mornings in a row.
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge spikes to overheat range; Overheating warning lights flash; No smoke or overheating sounds from engine; No visible signs of overheating when hood inspected; Temperature immediately returns to normal after restart; Occurs at highway speeds in cool ambient temperatures
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Owner was able to restart vehicle and temperature returned to normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Electrical System / Engine Control Module Malfunction
ECM or broader electrical system malfunction causing various failures including check engine light illumination, random warning messages, and inability to retrieve diagnostic codes. One owner performed electrical system upgrade at independent shop without resolution. Another owner had to manually manipulate ECM wiring (based on 2016 recall procedure) to restore function.
When: Across broad mileage range: one report at 39,000 miles, another at approximately 46,285 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates and flashes; Multiple unknown warning lights flashing on instrument panel; Inability to retrieve diagnostic fault codes; Various modules reported as defective by mechanics; ECM wiring loose or corroded
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (codes unable to be retrieved in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic performed electrical system upgrade with no resolution. One dealer performed ECM update. One owner's vehicle was included in recall with initially no remedy offered; dealer later stated repair had been completed but owner had not yet taken possession. Another owner manually shook and twisted ECM wiring connections (procedure from 2016 Malibu recall) and engine restarted; vehicle later stalled again.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall identified for some vehicles (number N192221960 mentioned), but no clear resolution documented. One dealer initially stated no remedy for recall existed.
Cold Start Misfire and Power Loss
After cold start, engine misses on one or more cylinders, resulting in severe power loss and rough running. Engine light may illuminate. Issue resolves after stopping and restarting vehicle. Has occurred multiple times (third occurrence noted in one complaint).
When: Recurring issue; one owner had three instances of same problem.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misses after cold start; Significant decrease in power output; Rough engine running; Check engine light may illuminate; Issue resolves after vehicle restart
Codes mentioned: No codes retrieved by dealer despite engine light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate or resolve issue despite check engine light being present during diagnosis attempt. No codes retrieved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Automatic Start/Stop Malfunction
Automatic stop feature causes vehicle to stop while in motion, then stall when stationary. Vehicle is able to restart but automatic start/stop function problematic.
When: Mileage not available.
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic stop feature activates while vehicle in motion; Vehicle stalls after stopping; Vehicle able to restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware.
Fuel Injector Seal Failure
Gasoline odor detected from parked vehicle. Diagnostics showed fuel injector seals failed.
When: Approximately 165,660 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline odor from vehicle; No warning light illuminated; Fuel injector seal failure confirmed by dealer diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed injector seals needed replacement. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware.
Accessory Power Management Issue
Vehicle accessories (radio, interior lights, etc.) remain on after engine is shut off. Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' message even though transmission is in Park. Accessories turn off after approximately 2 minutes.
When: Mileage not specified.
Symptoms owners cite: Accessories remain on after engine shutoff; 'Shift to Park' message displays despite transmission being in Park; Accessories remain on for approximately 2 minutes before turning off
Repairs/costs cited: Owner requested warranty repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Synthesized from 92 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I have a Chevy malibu 2018 and I commute to work 5 days a week 1 1/2 hours each way. During my commute without warning, a light came on indicating "engine power is reduced", the engine light, as well as the car slippery road sign. I have an appointment at mearle stone Chevrolet in hopes this known problem in the 2018 models gets fixed without paying out of pocket expenses since there has been a…
When driving the car it will lose propulsion and power. At one point it almost shut off while driving on the highway. I took the car for inspection to Chevrolet dealer but I was told they will take weeks to find the exact issue. It also has a safety recall which wasn't performed during my appointment. I was told to come back if I see engine light without it they can't do much. I use my car every…
While driving, the message 'engine power is reduced' appeared. My car slowed down and I had to press really hard on the gas pedal to get back up to the speed I was at. It is said to be a defective electronic throttle control and accelerator pedal position sensor. This problem is common in many of the 2016-2018 Chevy malibu's. *bf
Had engine trouble with your 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 92 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 27,462 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,462; a quarter make it past 60,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Chevrolet/Malibu.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.